Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city should look no further than Battery Park City, a quiet and calm sector of downtown Manhattan along the Hudson River.
Battery Park City is filled with luscious green parks and endless quaint dining options. It’s the perfect neighborhood for someone looking for a release from their stressful work schedule, while still enjoying a fast commute.
History
PC: BPCA
By the time the late 1950s came around, the once-booming seaport area in downtown Manhattan fell victim to the take-off of container shipping, which pushed ships towards New Jersey, leaving Manhattan’s ports in shambles.
In the early 1960s, private firms created a proposal to restore the area through landfill. The mayor approved of the idea, but everything quickly fell apart as Governor Nelson Rockefeller stated that he wanted to redevelop part of the area. In the end, the groups came to a compromise and by the time 1966 rolled around, Rockefeller revealed a proposal for what would later become Battery Park City.
Architect Wallace K. Harrison was commissioned to lead the project and create a community of housing, industry, and social infrastructure. M. Paul Friedberg was put in charge of the landscaping in the park space and eventually designed the Winter Garden.
The area struggled with slow construction and a number of obstacles, but was mostly completed by the beginning of the 21st century. However, after the September 11 attack, Battery Park City became vacant as the area became an official crime scene. When residents returned, they found that their homes had been looted and the air was continuously filled with toxic smoke.
The residents of Battery Park City and TriBeCa then created the TriBattery Pops Tom Goodkind Conductor, a Grammy-nominated all-volunteer community band. As of now, the area has thrived again, with real estate development booming.
Accessibility
PC: BPCA
Battery Park City is connected to the majority of New York’s subway lines, though all of the subway stops are slightly outside the neighborhood’s specific, mostly residential area.
The 1, 2, 3, A, and C trains run from Chambers Street, which quickly allows you to enter Battery Park City after crossing the West Side Highway. The 1 train is also close by from Cortland Street and South Ferry.
The 4 and 5 trains are available at Wall Street and Bowling Green, offering you an express route to Grand Central. You can also grab the R and W at Cortland Street, Rector St, or Whitehall Street South Ferry, or the J and Z at Broad Street.
But if the subway isn’t for you, the M9, M20, and M22 buses all have stops in Battery Park City.
The neighborhood also offers a convenient and quick trip to New Jersey by either taking the PATH train from the World Trade Center or the New York Waterway ferry from the World Financial Center ferry stop.
Lifestyle
PC: BPC Parks
Battery Park City is perfect for those wanting a quiet night out on the town, while still enjoying a short commute to the rest of New York’s action.
Residents of Battery Park City can enjoy a waterfront picnic in Rockefeller Park or take a gentle meander along the riverfront. This neighborhood is ideal for those looking for an easy weekend, not one filled with a stressful nightlife scene or noisy bars.
Restaurants
PC: March Architects
Battery Park City is home to some of New York’s best restaurants and bars. Bloomberg stated that, “what’s clever is there’s something for everyone, from the worker who needs a fast lunch to the folks who have moved down there for good and want dinner.”
Those looking for a fun evening filled with the impressive city skyline can gather at Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar, located on the 16th floor of the Conrad Hotel. Guests can take in a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty while sipping on the bar’s signature drink, a glass of prosecco topped with an ice pop.
Diners should check out North End Grill’s rooftop garden or the insanely popular Mexican restaurant El Vez.
Costs
PC: The New York Times
Battery Park City is relatively expensive, with 1-bedroom apartments costing an average of $3,200 and 2-bedroom apartments starting around $5,000. The average purchasing price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around $1,000,000.
Final Verdict
PC: NYC Parks
Battery Park City is the perfect choice for those looking for a quiet haven within the heart of Manhattan. However, if you’re looking for cost-effective options for your move to the big city, Battery Park City may not be for you.
